Castle Stahleck near Bacharach on the Rhine River

Rhine River Germany Tours to Rhine Castle Stahleck, Bacharach

on the Rhine River hills high above the Rhine river in Germany. Discover the historic Stahleck Castle – a majestic landmark above the Rhine! Experience the fascinating history, enjoy breathtaking views of the Rhine Valley and let yourself be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of this medieval castle, which today serves as a popular youth hostel !

Castle Stahleck above Bacharach on the Rhine River in Germany.
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Rhine Castle Stahleck, Bacharach Rhine River

It's exact date of origin is not known, but it has been proved that the castle was already occupied since the year 1095.

It's first mentioned in documents in the year 1135 under Goswin von Hochstadt. In former times it was called castle Stabekkum or Sthaleckthum.
Until 1148 almost 10 years of fight followed for the rights of the Stahleck.
Through evil manipulation Hermann, brother-in-law of King Konrad III, finally won.
The palatinate and the estates fell to him.

In the year 1156, after the death of Hermann of Stahleck, his stepbrother Konrad von Hohenstaufen became count palatine of Bacharach on the Rhine river.

The town of Bacharach, located below the castle hill, became the center and residence of the originating palatine territory on the Rhine river.
Castle Stahleck, which was originally the most farthest southern situated property of the Cologne bishops, was assigned from the emporer Barbarossa to his brother Konrad in the year 1190.
In the year 1194, the wedding of Stahleck, the secret espousal between the son of Heinrich des Lowen and the daughter of the count palatine Konrad made history.

In the year 1214, the castle Stahleck near Bacharach on the Rhine river was appointed as a done feud to the Wittelsbacher Ludwig of Bavaria, so that this mighty gender now had two ideal major locations near the Rhine river with the castles Stahleck and Pfalz.

It became domicile of the palatine castle count and the official office staff.
Castle Stahleck near Bacharach at the Rhine river was a rampart of the palatinate as control of the Rhine river.

In the Thirty Years' War, in mid October of the year 1644, as the Catholic party banished the French out of the town with 250 cavalries and 450 Cologne foot soldiers, these fled into the castle Stahleck.

Colonel of Nievernheimb, commander on the fortress Ehrenbreitstein, let the castle Stahleck near Bacharach at the Rhine river thereupon be fired at without occupying it.
In the year 1666, the castle Stahleck near Bacharach at the Rhine river, which was strongly affected the in the year 1644, was reestablished by the elector count palatine Carl Ludwig.
Between January and May 1689 the castle Stahleck by Bacharach on the Rhine river was exploded by the french troops from Ludwig XIV, also the offshore castles Furstenberg by Rheindiebach and Stahlberg by Bacharach-Steeg were destructed and the city Bacharach was burned down to the foundation walls.
Through the blasting of the 30 meters high and 4 meters thick Bergfried of the castle Stahleck, the roof of the beneath lying Werner chapel was destroyed, which has been a ruin since then.

237 years the castle Stahleck was left as a ruin, until the crown prince of Preußen bought the castle Stahleck by Bacharach on the Rhine river in 1828.

View from the castle yard of castle Stahleck towards the buildings and the castle wall on the west side.

In 1909 the prussian domain management sold the castle Stahleck by Bacharach on the Rhine river to the Rhine society for monumental care and countryside protection (Rheinischer Verein für Denkmalpflege und Landschaftsschutz), who already accomplished restoration work in 1909 and 1910.
Between late summer 1925 and summer 1927 the ringwall and shield wall of the castle Stahleck by Bacharach on the Rhine river were reestablished and on the unearthed old foundation walls a youth hostel was built.
On June 23, 1926 the youth hostel was had its grand opening with 65 beds.

Starting at the end of 1965 until May 20, 1967, the youth hostel was further constructed on the castle Stahleck.

Thereby the in the substructure still original roman Bergfried of the castle Stahleck with abated wall strength was newly roofed and furnished with new walls.

Today it expresses the picture of a medieval castle with different construction phases and is one of the most well-known youth hostels.

Town wall loop road from Bacharach on the Rhine River to castle Stahlberg.
Town wall loop road (Stadtmauerrundweg) from Bacharach on the Rhine River along the medieval town wall to castle Stahlberg.

Castle Stahleck above Bacharach on the Rhine River in Germany.
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Bacharach on the Rhine River with castle Stahleck, Peterskirche (Peter's church) and the towers Marktturm and Munzturm.

Castle Stahleck near Bacharach on the Rhine River
Castle Stahleck above Bacharach on the Rhine River in Germany.

Castle Stahleck high above Bacharach on the Rhine River.

Castle Stahleck high above Bacharach from the right Rhine River side.

Castle Stahleck high above Bacharach on the Rhine River.

Castle Stahleck high above Bacharach on the Rhine River.
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Rhineland-Palatinate, Rhine River Valley, near Loreley Rock Romantic Tower Hotel „Kranenturm“ Bacharach on the Rhine river, 35 beds, rooms with Rhine river view or castle view, breakfast buffet, romanic-restaurant, lunch and dinner up to 80 people, children’s menu, Rhine river terrace, lounge for up to 25 people

Rhineland-Palatinate, Rhine River Valley, near Loreley Rock „Rheinhotel“ ***, Bacharach on the Rhine river Familial hospitality, modern convenience in the historical building. The menu offers everything that you can dream of. All rooms have view to the Rhine river or to the castle, newly renovated, shower and private toilet.

Rhineland-Palatinate, Rhine River Valley, near Loreley Rock Bed & Breakfast „Im Malerwinkel“, Bacharach, Rhine River Idyllic and quiet location, modern hotel rooms, 40 beds, apartment, partly with balcony, lounge, bike rental for hotel guests, transportation from and to the train station, 20 parking lots, garage, garden terrace.

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Bacharach Germany on the Rhine river. Discover the magic of Bacharach – your perfect break in charming hotels, surrounded by picturesque vineyards and the historic backdrop of Stahleck Castle – with the districts of Steeg, Breitscheid, Neurath and Medenscheid.

Stahleck Castle near Bacharach on the Rhine river
Stahleck Castle near Bacharach on the Rhine river. Discover the historic Stahleck Castle – a majestic landmark above the Rhine! Experience the fascinating history, enjoy breathtaking views of the Rhine Valley and let yourself be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of this medieval castle, which today serves as a popular youth hostel !

Stahlberg Ruins near Bacharach-Steeg where history and breathtaking views of the Rhine Valley come together! This castle, which was built in the 13th century to protect the quarter area, tells of military conflicts and medieval life. Visit this impressive ruin, which, despite its destruction in the Thirty Years' War, still towers majestically above the Steeger Valley and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the fascinating remains of the once proud complex !

Pictures from Bacharach in Germany with towers and a medieval historical town wall. City tour through Bacharach am Rhein. Discover the fascinating stories and impressive sights of Bacharach am Rhein on a city tour - from the majestic city towers and the historic city wall to the charming half-timbered houses and the picturesque panorama on the banks of the Rhine !

City history of Bacharach in Germany on the Rhine River. Experience the fascinating history of the magical place full of myths and legends, where the majestic Peter's Church (Peterskirche) and the impressive ruins of the Werner Chapel (Wernerkapelle) meet the glorious past of the Counts Palatine (Pfalzgrafen) and the Rhine romanticism of Victor Hugo! Immerse yourself in the cultural treasures and enjoy the famous “Bacharacher” wine in this unique city !

Rhine river banks, boat cruise on the Rhine river, romantic to fall in love. Experience the romance that will make you fall in love: Let yourself be enchanted by the magical atmosphere of the Rhine meadows and enjoy unforgettable boat trips to picturesque places such as Rüdesheim, Bingen and the legendary Loreley near St. Goar – a truly dreamlike adventure on the most beautiful stretch of river in Germany !

Planning a Rhine river cruise and want to see the most castles along the Rhine in one, two or three days? No matter you choose your day boat cruise, the Rhine River offers a breathtaking experience filled with history and stunning landscapes. Each itinerary provides a unique opportunity to explore the enchanting castles that dot the riverbanks, making your trip memorable !

Middle Rhine wine hike with wine tasting in the vineyard. Discover the Middle Rhine wine hike in the charming wine town of Bacharach: Enjoy relaxing walks through the picturesque vineyards and let yourself be enchanted by the delicious wines and the warm hospitality of the wine god Bacchus during guided wine tastings in the Postenturm tower !

Wine festival in Bacharach Germany 2025 2026 and day boat cruises with Rhine in Flame firework displays The famous "Wine Festival Summer Night" on the last fourth Saturday of August combines high-quality wine with the stunning landscapes of the Rhine Valley, offering wine tastings, local delicacies, and live music.
Additionally, the "Rhine in Flames" event features five spectacular firework displays in May, July, August, and September, often accompanied by music. Bacharach is an excellent starting point for these events, with special one-day cruises available in August and September.

Bike tours, biking, hiking, climbing, camping, surfing, fishing, swimming Experience the active diversity of Bacharach am Rhein ! Whether cycling along picturesque Rhine bank paths, hiking through beautiful wine landscapes, climbing on fascinating rocks or surfing and fishing on the Rhine - there is the perfect outdoor experience for every adventurer !

City map, road maps from Bacharach on the Rhine River

Germany, Rhine River Valley, Mainz, Rudesheim, Bacharach, Lorelei Rock, Koblenz Nonsmoking Canopy bed holiday apartment Hermann, ask for Last Minute Offers Central quiet location in Oberwesel on the Rhine river. Renovated in 2015, 55 sqm. Bedroom with historic four-poster bed and satellite TV, living room with sofa bed and satellite TV, kitchen, free Wi-Fi, balcony, terrace. Car parking. 4 boat landing stages. 630 meters from castle Schonburg. Favorable permanent rental price from Nov. to March.

Rhine River cruises to visit German wine festivals in 2025 and 2026 Rhine River Lights firework displays with half day round boat cruises A spectacular firework display during a boat trip in the Middle Rhine River Valley between Koblenz / Coblence, Lahnstein, Boppard, St. Goar, Loreley Rock, Oberwesel, Bacharach, Assmannshausen, Bingen and Rudesheim. The boat cruise with DJ music and dance on board is starting from different wine towns with wine hikings and wine festivals.

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Rhine Hotels Bed & Breakfasts in the Rhine River Valley and on the Rhine River Hills maps

Wine tasting in the romantic brick arch wine cellar, Wine hiking

Boat day round cruises on the Rhine river

Hotels on castles at the Rhine river

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